Australia and Asia Pacific Embrace Food-Led Travel with Holiday Homes, Offering Unique Culinary Experiences and Immersive Stays for Modern Travelers

Food is not just a necessity; it’s becoming an integral part of travel in Asia Pacific. According to Booking.com’s ‘Taste of Home Asia Pacific’ research, food is now shaping the holiday home experience like never before. In 2025, travelers across the region are increasingly selecting holiday homes that offer the freedom and flexibility to cook, host, and dine in settings that reflect local flavors and culinary traditions. From home-cooked meals to exploring local food markets, the desire for authentic culinary experiences is fueling the growth of food-led travel in the region.

In Australia, food plays a pivotal role in shaping the travel decisions of holidaymakers. 82% of Australians choose travel destinations based on their culinary preferences, and holiday homes are often their accommodation of choice. The flexibility offered by holiday homes, including the ability to prepare meals, experiment with local ingredients, and enjoy home comforts, is increasingly appealing. According to the research, 97% of Australian travelers alter their cooking and eating habits when traveling, with 85% frequenting local markets and a significant number cooking local dishes, experimenting with new appliances, and trying new recipes.

As travelers demand more personalized and meaningful experiences, Booking.com has identified four key ‘taste trends’ that are shaping the holiday home travel experience for 2025.

Key Highlights:

• 82% of Australians select travel destinations based on culinary preferences.
• 97% of Australian travelers alter their cooking and eating habits while traveling.
• Four ‘taste trends’ are shaping holiday home stays: New Head Chef, Holiday Kitchen Personas, Trolley Tourism, and Portable Pantry.
• 80% of Australians bring food or cooking items like tea, coffee, and BBQ tools when staying at holiday homes.
• 88% of Australians enjoy visiting local food markets while traveling.

1. The New Head Chef in the Holiday Home

The “chef” role in holiday homes is evolving, with younger generations taking the lead. In the past, moms or primary caregivers were typically the ones doing most of the cooking during family holidays. However, Booking.com’s research reveals that only 13% of Australian travelers report mum as the designated holiday cook. The role has now shifted to younger generations, with 38% of Gen Z travelers most often cooking family recipes, blending them with new ideas and techniques. This trend reflects a broader shift towards personalized culinary experiences, where guests feel empowered to experiment and create new memories through food.

2. Holiday Kitchen Personas

Booking.com’s research also introduced four distinct holiday kitchen personalities among travelers booking holiday homes:

• The Comfort-Driven Traditionalist: Prefers familiar recipes and meals from home, often sticking to the basics and comfort foods.
• The Bold Experimenter: Embraces local ingredients and is always trying new dishes, willing to take risks in the kitchen.
• The Laid-back Minimalist: Keeps it simple, preferring easy-to-make meals without too much fuss or effort.
• The Ever-Entertaining Socialite: Enjoys hosting others, often using the kitchen as a space for entertaining and sharing meals with friends and family.

These personas highlight the diversity of holiday cooking styles and show how traveling with food is now a shared experience for many, whether it’s cooking for comfort, exploring new flavors, or entertaining others.

3. Trolley Tourism

Across Asia Pacific, holiday homes are driving a rise in a new phenomenon called “trolley tourism.” As travelers embrace the convenience of holiday homes with kitchens, many are incorporating visits to local food markets, seasonal food festivals, and supermarkets into their travel plans. For Australians, the experience of visiting local food markets is a significant part of the holiday experience, with 88% of Aussie travelers enjoying trips to these markets when on holiday. This figure rises to an impressive 96% among frequent holiday home bookers. For these travelers, the ability to immerse themselves in local food cultures through visits to markets is an essential part of their culinary journey.

4. Portable Pantry

Travelers are also increasingly bringing their kitchens with them. 80% of Australians report bringing food or cooking items on holiday, making sure their kitchens feel like home, no matter where they’re staying. These items include essential travel ingredients like tea/coffee (38%), wine (25%), sauces (24%), coffee machines (13%), and even BBQ tools (13%). This trend highlights a desire for familiarity and comfort when preparing meals in new locations, as well as a sense of connection to home when away.

The Role of Holiday Homes in Food-Led Travel

Holiday homes offer an ideal setting for food-led travel. With the ability to cook your meals, visit local markets, and share culinary experiences with family and friends, these accommodations are a natural choice for food enthusiasts looking to explore new destinations. The flexibility of cooking your meals in a fully equipped kitchen allows travelers to enjoy authentic dining experiences, where they can create and savor dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.

The growing demand for holiday homes with culinary features speaks to a broader shift in the way travelers approach their vacations. Food tourism is now a dominant factor in the travel decision-making process, and holiday homes offer the ideal setting for those who want to fully immerse themselves in a destination’s local culture through its cuisine.

The Impact of Food-Led Travel on the Tourism Industry

As travelers seek more personalized and meaningful experiences, the food-led trend is becoming a key driver for the tourism industry. Booking.com’s research demonstrates that food and culinary experiences are no longer secondary to sightseeing, but rather central to the travel experience itself. With the rise of holiday homes, travelers are given the freedom to explore destinations through food in a way that is authentic, hands-on, and deeply immersive.

This trend is likely to continue shaping the future of travel, especially in regions where local food cultures are rich and diverse. The ability to explore a destination’s gastronomic landscape from the comfort of a holiday home is a significant draw for modern travelers, offering them the chance to experience local markets, dine on authentic dishes, and share meals with loved ones—all while immersing themselves in the local culture.

Conclusion: A Delicious Future for Holiday Homes and Food Tourism

Food-led travel is clearly shaping the future of holiday homes in Asia Pacific and beyond. With more travelers seeking authentic culinary experiences, holiday homes provide the perfect opportunity to connect with local food cultures in a meaningful and enjoyable way. From experimenting with new recipes to exploring local food markets, the growing trend of food-led travel is not just a passing fad—it’s a transformative shift in the way people experience destinations.

Key Takeaways:

• Food is central to travelers’ holiday decisions, with 82% of Australians selecting destinations based on culinary preferences.
• Holiday homes are becoming a preferred accommodation type for food-focused travelers in Asia Pacific.
• Four key food trends shaping holiday home stays: New Head Chef, Holiday Kitchen Personas, Trolley Tourism, and Portable Pantry.
• Holiday home travelers love visiting local food markets, and many bring their kitchens with them when traveling.
• Booking.com’s research highlights the growing importance of food tourism in shaping modern travel experiences.

Holiday homes are proving to be more than just a place to stay; they are an essential part of the food-led travel experience, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in local food culture, explore regional flavors, and create lasting memories through shared culinary moments.